High School Graduation was highly anticipated by all of the third year students. After an arduous few months of testing, this ceremony marked the end of their high school experience. The ceremony itself wasn't too unlike an American one. There were numerous speeches given, diplomas were handed to each of the students, and family came to watch. Underclassmen sang and played in the award-winning band.
The stage was overflowing with flowers, many of them arranged by an Ikebana-certified staff member.
Okisho students have created their own version of the cap-toss. At the end of all of the formalities, they throw up their blazers in what is called the "buleza nage".
These are a few of my former third year students post-graduation. Every student wears a corsage from his or her parent(s).
There was a huge student/faculty party the evening following the graduation ceremony. For the students, it is much like prom, without the dancing. Many go over the edge with fashionable self-expression as this is their first time to do so after years of uniforms and grooming guidelines. It's a rather expensive and formal affair. It was great to see the no-longer-students relax and have fun.
Some friends and I went up to the northern part of the island to see the Cherry Blossoms. Okinawa is the first place for the sakura trees to bloom...over the next few months, hundreds of buds will burst open further up the island chain and attract throngs of hanami (flower viewing) participants.
Aquarium Fun!!! This Whale Shark is a member of the largest living fish species.
More new photos from graduation, parties, and northernly adventures can be found here.
Changes for the students.
Changes for the trees.
Everything is fluid. Swimming, churning, rushing around the aquarium of life. Was that transition cheesy enough? Hold on to what you love and ride the rest of the waves. Complete the metaphor.
Happy Tell People You Care with Pink Cards and Chocolate Day.
Happy You are an Important Part of My So-called Life Every Day.
Keep on swimming. Swimming. Swimming.
1 comment:
Gracie,
I'm glad you told me about sharks and cherry blossoms while I was grumpy.
Remember when we went to Norma's house and rode unicorns and smelled apple blossoms and then took off our clothes and went swimming.
Magical. A lot like you.
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